“The Finding of Moses”, attributed to the school of Luca Giordano, dates to between the late 17th and early 18th centuries, within a context still strongly connected to Neapolitan Baroque painting. The work depicts an episode from the Old Testament: the moment when Moses, abandoned in a basket on the waters of the Nile, is found by Pharaoh’s daughter and entrusted to the care of the women present.
The scene is constructed with a broad and theatrical composition. On the left, the child is supported by two female figures, while on the right the richly dressed princess reaches her arms towards him. Furthermore, the presence of the young pages and the dark landscape in the background contributes to creating a complex yet clearly legible narrative.
From a stylistic point of view, the painting recalls the circle of Luca Giordano through the dynamism of the gestures, the softness of the drapery and the expressive use of light. The chromatic contrasts, particularly between the pale flesh tones, the red garments and the blue mantle, guide the viewer’s gaze towards the protagonists of the scene.
However, the work is not limited to a simple illustration of the biblical episode. The composition in fact emphasizes the theme of salvation and providence, transforming the finding of Moses into a scene of strong narrative and devotional value. Overall, the painting represents a significant example of Baroque religious painting, capable of combining narrative, theatricality and decorative quality.
Description: Oil on canvas, late 17th–early 18th century, H 173×216 cm.
Hammer Price: € 8.610,00
Auction 5 – April 17th 2015 – Furniture – Paintings – Sculptures – Works of Art